The HVAC or heating and air conditioning system is integral in keeping a home comfortable and maintaining good air quality. In order to take advantage of the HVAC’s best qualities, homeowners must become familiar with the system, understand its proper use, and perform adequate care and upkeep routinely. 

Credentialed and quality heating and cooling specialists in Joplin, like Barone’s Heat & Air educate and inform their customers on the equipment they purchase to ensure it remains functional and efficient for an extended lifespan. 

Professional companies like these perform preventive maintenance roughly once each year to find potential problems and make the necessary repairs and replacements. For older HVAC equipment, more frequent maintenance is recommended, twice each year in the fall and spring. 

Mistakes Homeowners Inadvertently Make with Their HVAC System 

The HVAC or heating and cooling system tends to fall into the background with Joplin homeowner’s busy schedules preventing a focus on routine upkeep but rather seeking professional assistance only when problems arise. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when responsible for an efficient HVAC system. 

Neglecting routine upkeep and professional maintenance 

Professional HVAC maintenance involves a thorough inspection and tuning up the equipment, such as replacing broken or worn parts. It ensures the unit and its parts are in good condition and the system operates at peak performance.  

Developing defects are caught early so these can be repaired before there’s resultant damage or a breakdown. It’s not only meant to establish a functional and efficient unit but will extend its lifespan. 

A common but significant mistake is neglecting adequate upkeep and expert preventive maintenance. Failing to set up a maintenance schedule to follow throughout the year can result in less efficient equipment, elevated utility bills, and a higher likelihood of malfunctions or the possibility of a breakdown. 

Neglecting filter changes 

The air filter collects debris that builds up on its surface to a point where it can become clogged if not periodically changed. This means the air cannot funnel through the filter, and the heating and cooling system must work harder to regulate the temperature in the home.  

It also means the air quality is compromised with the potential for health concerns, particularly for those with respiratory conditions and allergies. 

When the unit is forced to overexert, it leads to premature wear of the components and can shorten the lifespan. This filter should be changed based on your HVAC tech’s recommendations or following manufacturing guidelines. The rule of thumb is roughly every 90 days. 

However, if you’re located in an area with heavy pollutants such as pollen, or live with multiple pets and use the system extensively, the filter should be changed more frequently, approximately every 30 days. The best way to keep up with it is to periodically check in on it to ensure it’s not overly dirty. 

Thermostat set incorrectly 

The thermostat is the central hub for the heating and air conditioning unit. When this is not working properly, the system won’t function adequately either. For instance, if you don’t keep up with changing the batteries and they die, the equipment won’t function. 

How the temperature is set is vital to the HVAC’s smooth operation. If you set the temperature too high in the winter or incredibly low in the summer, the unit will need to exert more effort to keep the home at the designated setting. This leads to higher utility costs, discomfort in the household, and inefficiency with the unit. 

DIY repairs 

Homeowners prefer to “do-it-yourself” with many household tasks in an effort to save costs. The HVAC system, however, is an intricate and challenging one that requires extensive training and precise expertise to navigate, as well as specialized tools and equipment to do the work. 

When attempting to make repairs without sufficient knowledge, the problems can worsen, leading to more damage and higher costs for repairs.  

When significant problems arise, a credentialed expert has the experience and skill set to swiftly diagnose the underlying problem and make the appropriate repairs to prevent a recurrence or the potential for complications down the road.  

DIY can void your system warranty and create unnecessary costs. Go here for preventive maintenance tips for DIY homeowners. 

Neglecting ductwork upkeep 

The air ducts are an essential component in the heating and cooling system’s function. Neglecting maintenance to keep them in good condition can lead also to an overworked system, poor air quality, reduced airflow, and extensive costs. 

With regular inspections and adequate cleaning, the air ducts will be less likely to develop leaks or damage that contribute to uneven heating and cooling, discomfort for those living in the home, and elevated costs.  

Regular maintenance prevents these problems, ensuring the system is functional and efficient. Visit Realty Times – Common HVAC Issues and How to Solve Them: A Guide for Dads – for tips on resolving common HVAC issues. 

Final Thought 

Ensuring the smooth operation and efficiency of an HVAC system is a great responsibility.  

When you consider the investment in the equipment and the repercussions and costs of neglecting this equipment, you make a concerted effort to perform standard upkeep and enlist a Joplin, MO, expert for preventive maintenance.